World leaders react to George Floyd's death and U.S. protests

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he's heartbroken to see violence on the streets in the U.S.. He also said grievances must be heard, but should be expressed peacefully and authorities must show restraint in responding to demonstrations.

"In every society, diversity is a richness – never a threat. Racism is an abhorrence that we must all reject."

UK PM Boris Johnson Wednesday said black lives matter and he understands the anger and grief felt around the world. He also said he supports the right to protest, but it should be carried out in a lawful way.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel's spokesperson Steffen Seibert said the German government is shocked by the death of George Floyd. "It is an appalling and avoidable death," he said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: "We all watch in horror and consternation what's going on in the United States…It is a time to pull people together, but it is a time to listen, it is a time to learn what injustices continue despite progress over years and decades." Trudeau hesitated for 20 seconds when asked about Trump's handling of protests.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said the killing exposed true nature of the rulers of the United States.